Dairy Queen

Big 👏 👏 👏 to our 2024 DQ(R) Red Spoon Award winners, who were announced internally earlier this month:   * Pam L. * Janna R. * Ali G. * Morgan V. * Ryan E. * Larry L. * Katie K. * Alison L. * Kevin D. * Kim P. * Serena T. * Ben S. * Kaitlyn S.   Please join us in congratulating these employees who have provided outstanding service, delivered high-quality products, and created positive memories for all who touch DQ in 2024. Congrats!

When you work for an employer where your time, effort and talents are recognized and rewarded, it shows. Just ask Carlos M., DQ desktop support analyst, who recently used points from our WOW Program to upgrade to first-class tickets to attend his daughter's wedding in Pennsylvania. We're happy to report the wedding went fantastically well and Carlos walked his daughter down the aisle. At our DQ headquarters in Minneapolis, we use our WOW Program to recognize employees, celebrate service anniversaries and share gratitude throughout the year. Through the program, employees earn points they can use on a wide variety of items from electronics to vacations.

It's DQ trivia time. How well do you know the DQ system? 

What accomplishments are you most proud of in 2024? It was a common theme – and question asked – at our annual holiday party in our Minneapolis office last week. Watch the video for our employees’ answers. Which accomplishments are YOU most proud of in 2024? Tell us in the comments.

We loved to see DQ team members volunteering their time at the annual KS95 for Kids Radiothon at the Mall of America last week. This on-air fundraiser benefits one of our key community partners, Gillette Children's’s, and all the families they help each and every day here in Minnesota. Side note: It was fun for our employees to work the phones alongside University of Minnesota Golden Gopher football players.

Holiday vibes -- DQ style?! And hey, DQ merchandise makes the perfect gift for that DQ fan in your life. Order by Dec. 13 to receive shipment before the holidays. https://lnkd.in/gB7DwH8N

A big part of our DQ Cares initiative is supporting the communities and causes we care about -- like Gillette Children's BIPOC Medical Discovery Day last month. The first annual event was full of learning, mentorship, and networking as we worked alongside Gillette Children's to build a stronger and more equitable future for the medical field. Students, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders came together to inspire youth to consider careers in healthcare. As you can see in the photos below, students engaged in hands-on activities and networked with healthcare professionals.

Let’s meet our next 2023 DQ Red Spoon Award winner. As a reminder, DQ Red Spoon Awards are given to employees who provide outstanding service, deliver quality products, and create positive memories for all who touch DQ. Today, we recognize John Wiles, business consultant. What is your role and what are your responsibilities? I work to protect the brand and build relationships with franchisees. My first focus is helping their teams become better than they were yesterday. What do you like most about your job and why? I enjoy helping others do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Nothing's more exciting than seeing a team member or franchisee excel at their role. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? I like being with my lovely wife and grandkids, and enjoy woodworking, fishing, and spending time on the lake. Favorite DQ food or treat? S'mores BLIZZARD® Treat Best advice for someone wanting to become a DQ business consultant? Work to understand the art of making others successful through casual conversations. Congrats again, John, on your DQ Red Spoon Award!

Why do we support organizations like Gillette Children's? Allow us to introduce you to Ben and Kate Harkness (and their big brother Will). Ben and Kate are twins who were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy when they were one year old. Since then, the doctors, nurses and staff at Gillette's have been a constant part of their lives, offering support and care along the way. As mom, Sarah Harkness, says, "Gillette is a part of our family." That's why we support organizations like Gillette Children’s. I mean, just look at those smiles. As part of our DQ Cares program, we support Gillette Children’s by participating in Camp Gillette each summer, supporting the organization's adaptive sports and technology practice, encouraging DQ employees to volunteer at the hospital and, of course, by donating DILLY Bars.

Let’s meet our next 2023 DQ Red Spoon Award winner. As a reminder, DQ Red Spoon Awards are given to employees who provide outstanding service, deliver high-quality products, and create positive memories for all who touch DQ. Today, we recognize Kristina Kop, director of creative services. What is your role and what are your responsibilities? I’m the director of creative services. Our team produces creative and photography for DQ restaurant locations, local restaurant marketing, packaging, DQ.com, DQ Mobile App, and corporate projects. What do you like most about your job and why? When I’m at a DQ restaurant I appreciate the hard work, dedication and creative strategy my team puts into each and every piece of merchandising. What does winning this award mean to you? There are so many people throughout the organization that work hard each and every day and go above and beyond. I was so honored to be selected to receive this award, but the creative services team and my manager are the key to our mutual success. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? I enjoy being with my family more than anything in the world. I have been married to my husband John for over 32 years and we have three children, Johnathon, Katie and Sam. Favorite DQ food or treat? Banana shake. I add a graham base for the perfect mix-in. Congrats again, Kristina, on your DQ Red Spoon Award!